A journey to self love : How to blossom in all aspects of your life

Although it can be difficult at first, self-love is something that everyone should invest in. It’s similar to coming out of a dark place and into the light. Though it may hurt your eyes at first, you soon realize that the magnificent view was worth it. My journey to self love started when I decided that I could not move forward without making peace with my past. I tried to jump on the road to happiness several times, but I always stumbled and fell whenever I encountered the tiniest cracks, not knowing why and blaming myself for being weak. I realized then that I owed myself to stop for a moment. I needed to look back just long enough to understand and learn where I came from and where I was heading. I stopped being selfish and started being generous instead: with my time, energy and, most of all, patience. It’s something I have always neglected. That’s how my journey to self-love and self-improvement finally began.

It’s a never-ending road. It’s a road that’s meant to make you finally understand the deepest layers of your soul. I have learned so much since I adopted this lifestyle and became a much happier and healthier person. I read somewhere that “being happy is a very personal thing, and it really has nothing to do with anyone else”. These words still resonate in my mind. Every single day, they remind me that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I owe it to myself to be genuine.

I still get angry, sad or frustrated sometimes, but I have learned to accept these emotions. I no longer run from them or repress them. Feeling that way doesn’t mean that you are failing. It means you are still on this amazing journey and you are not willing to give up even if you stumble a little. Be gentle, be honest to yourself and allow yourself to feel everything.

Acknowledge every emotion and question why are you feeling it. When it’s possible, do something about it. It’s not too late for anything. It’s never late to become who you want to become. If you need to apologize, apologize. If you need to thank someone for a gesture they made months or even years ago, don’t waste any second longer. If you feel like it’s the right thing to do and it will make you feel lighter or happier, do it.

But burn bridges if you must. Eliminate the negativity and cut it out of your life without feeling guilty. It can be scary, but it is worth it. You need to protect yourself and immerse yourself in a healthy and positive environment that allows you to grow and blossom, just like a cute little plant. That was a very important step for me. Once I did it, I felt so much better. Sooner than you think, your energy will attract similar positive energies and will slowly distance itself from the negative ones. Surround yourself with good people, listen more and learn. Never stop learning, never stop growing and don’t let anyone ever take away from you the chance to do and be better.

Last but not least, I am here to tell you that no matter how many times you give up or fall and feel like you hit rock bottom, there is a way to get back on your feet and stand back up again. As Beau Taplin said, ”(…) Your body is not a temple. Temples can be destroyed and desecrated. Your body is a forest – thick canopies of maple trees and sweet scented wildflowers sprouting in the underwood. You will grow back, over and over, no matter how badly you are devastated.” Rely on your bones, flesh and blood, but most of all, your mind. Every tiny cell in your body is working so hard to keep you alive and your mind – your mind can do wonders. Love each of them back, as they unconditionally love you. Love yourself and become invincible.

This journey to self love was shared by PumpUp member @sophievcr. Follow her blog on Tumblr to keep track of her journey!